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Europe beaten by Asia in Royal Trophy

Monday, 12 January 2009
Michael Weston
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Royal Trophy captain, Jose Maria Olazabal, was unable to stop Asia's dominance

Europe was beaten by Asia for the first time in the Royal Trophy this weekend, losing 10-6, despite regaining some pride in Sunday’s singles.

The event, staged at the Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok, was somewhat of an anticlimax such was Asia’s dominance on Friday and Saturday.

A five point lead going into the singles meant only two more were needed to secure victory.

Prayad Marksaeng beat Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal 5&4, before Toru Taniguchi defeated a sorry Niclas Fasth 7&6.

But, much of the event’s focus was on Jose Maria Olazabal, who was stand-in skipper for recovering friend Seve Ballesteros, as he showed off his potential Ryder Cup captaincy skills.

"There are things we will all keep in mind if I become captain of the Ryder Cup," said Olazabal.

"It's up to the players to say how good a captain I was. I'll talk to them and see how I can improve."

Olazabal saved his last words for Ballesteros: "He is recovering from some health issues, but even though I'm the captain this year, I might not be the captain next year - and I can assure you he is going to be tougher than I was."

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